THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PLANTAR PRESSURE CENTER DURING TAl CHI EXERCICE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe and quantify the plantar pressure distribution characteristics during Tai Chi (TC) exercise. Sixteen elite TC masters participated in this study. The Pedar-X insole system was used to record the plantar forces during practicing the five typical TC movements and during normal walking respectively. Results showed that in TC movements, the locations of the centre of pressure (COP) were more medial and posterior at initial contact (p < 0.05), while more medial and anterior at end contact with the ground (p < 0.05). The range of motions (ROMs) of COP were significantly wider (P < 0.05) in mediolateral direction in forward, backward, and sideways TC movements. The ROM was significantly larger (p < 0.05) in anterposterior direction in forward TC movement when compared with normal walking.